U.S. patent application number 10/531974 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-02 for method and apparatus for facilitating opening a sealed medical electrode package.
This patent application is currently assigned to Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.. Invention is credited to Eric Jonsen.
Application Number | 20060025823 10/531974 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32176625 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060025823 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jonsen; Eric |
February 2, 2006 |
Method and apparatus for facilitating opening a sealed medical
electrode package
Abstract
An apparatus for storing one or more electrodes for an automatic
external defibrillator includes inter alia a cavity and a lid. The
cavity accepts the one or more electrodes and includes at least one
vertical surface. A top lateral edge surface of the cavity meets
the at least one vertical surface and has a first end with at least
one hole. At least one ridge extends horizontally out from the at
least vertical surface of the cavity. The lid is detachably
attached to the cavity and includes a bottom surface that faces the
top lateral edge surface of the cavity, as well as at least one
protrusion that extends into the hole in the top lateral edge
surface when the lid is attached to the cavity. The hole and the
protrusion form a hinge structure at a hinged end of the lid and
cavity. A handle is rotatably mounted to the lid opposite the
hinged end. The handle includes a camming surface, which engages
the ridge to create separation between the lid and the cavity as
the handle is rotated from its closed position to its open
position. A seal is fixed to the bottom surface and is also
removably fixed to the top lateral edge surface of the cavity,
thereby forming a sealed enclosure with the cavity in which the
electrodes are disposed when the lid is attached to the cavity. As
the handle is rotated from its closed position to its open position
the seal is simultaneously peeled from the top lateral edge surface
of the cavity.
Inventors: |
Jonsen; Eric; (Seattle,
WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PHILIPS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY & STANDARDS
P.O. BOX 3001
BRIARCLIFF MANOR
NY
10510
US
|
Assignee: |
Koninklijke Philips Electronics,
N.V.
Groenewoudseweg 1
Eindhoven
NL
5621 BA
|
Family ID: |
32176625 |
Appl. No.: |
10/531974 |
Filed: |
October 13, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
October 13, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB03/04500 |
371 Date: |
April 20, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60420765 |
Oct 23, 2002 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
607/5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 43/265 20130101;
A61B 2050/0066 20160201; A61B 2050/0056 20160201; A61N 1/0472
20130101; A61N 1/3968 20130101; A61B 2050/0075 20160201; A61N 1/046
20130101; A61B 50/30 20160201 |
Class at
Publication: |
607/005 |
International
Class: |
A61N 1/39 20060101
A61N001/39 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for storing one or more electrodes for an automatic
external defibrillator comprising: a cavity for accepting the one
or more electrodes, said cavity including: at least one vertical
surface; a top lateral edge surface meeting the at least one
vertical surface and having a first end with at least one hole; and
at least one ridge extending horizontally out from the at least
vertical surface of the cavity; and a lid detachably attached to
the cavity, said lid including: a bottom surface that faces the top
lateral edge surface of the cavity; at least one protrusion for
extending into said at least one hole in the top lateral edge
surface when the lid is attached to the cavity, wherein said at
least one hole and said at least one protrusion form a hinge
structure at a hinged end of the lid and cavity; and a handle
rotatably mounted to the lid opposite the hinged end, said handle
including a camming surface, wherein said camming surface engages
said at least one ridge to create separation between the lid and
the cavity as the handle is rotated from a closed position to an
open position.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a seal
fixed to the bottom surface and removably fixed to the top lateral
edge surface of the cavity forming a sealed enclosure with the
cavity in which the electrodes are disposed when the lid is
attached to the cavity.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein as the handle is
rotated from the closed position to the open position the seal is
simultaneously peeled from the top lateral edge surface of the
cavity.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cavity includes
a mounting bracket to which the electrodes are attached when
stored.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lid and the
cavity are made of a rigid material.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lid and the
cavity are mode of a semi-rigid material.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising one or
more wires to couple the electrodes to an automatic external
defibrillator when the electrodes are stored in the apparatus, said
wires being coupled to the electrodes at the mounting bracket.
8. An apparatus for storing one or more electrodes for an automatic
external defibrillator comprising: a container including a top
portion, a bottom portion, a cavity for accepting the one or more
electrodes, at least one lateral ridge extending horizontally
outward from the container, and a hinge disposed at a first end of
the container; and a handle rotatably mounted to the clam shell
container at an end opposite the first end, said handle including a
camming surface to contact the at least one lateral ridge, wherein
said camming surface engages said at least one ridge as the handle
is rotated from a closed position to an open position to create
separation between the top portion and the bottom portion.
9. The apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a single
use seal disposed between the top portion and the bottom
portion.
10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein as the handle is
rotated from the closed position to the open position to create
separation between the top portion and the bottom portion the
single use seal is simultaneously opened.
11. An apparatus for storing one or more electrodes for an
automatic external defibrillator comprising: a container including
a top portion, a bottom portion, a cavity for accepting the one or
more electrodes, and at least one lateral ridge extending outward
from the clam shell container; and a mechanically advantaged
actuator to create separation between the top portion and the
bottom portion as the actuator is manipulated and to simultaneously
remove the single use seal.
12. The apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a
single use seal disposed between the top portion and the bottom
portion.
13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein as actuator is
manipulated to create separation between the top portion and the
bottom portion the single use seal is simultaneously broken.
14. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the container
comprises a rigid container.
15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the container
comprises a semi-rigid container.
16. A method for storing a plurality of electrodes for an automatic
external defibrillator comprising: mounting the plurality of
electrodes in a sealed container; coupling the plurality of
electrodes to the automatic external defibrillator; and monitoring
an impedance between the plurality of electrodes when in the sealed
container.
17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising using a
handle with a mechanical advantage to open the sealed
container.
18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising
simultaneously breaking a seal while opening the container.
19. The method according to claim 17, further comprising removing a
seal from the sealed container while separating a top of the
container from a bottom of the container.
20. The method according to claim 16, further comprising monitoring
a state of the sealed container, said state including whether the
sealed container is open or closed.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is directed to automatic external
defibrillators, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for
packaging and storing electrodes used by an automatic external
defibrillator.
BACKGROUND
[0002] As Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) become more
widely available, the diversity of the user population also
increases. Therefore, electrode-packaging designs must take into
account a broader range of physical strength and dexterity. In the
past, the primary users of AEDs were highly trained emergency
medical personnel. These professionals were generally more
physically fit than the average layperson due to the demanding
nature of their work. Now, the user population includes people
(e.g., senior citizens) who may not have the required strength or
dexterity to open a sealed medical electrode package although they
are otherwise able to use an AED. Inability to open the electrode
package constitutes an insurmountable barrier to using an AED
device, especially during high stress situations in which these
devices are typically employed. As such, the market for these
devices remains limited. Moreover, the packaging options are also
limited for similar reasons.
[0003] The present invention is therefore directed to the problem
of developing a method and apparatus for facilitating the opening
of a sealed medical electrode package that will allow those with
limited physical strength and dexterity to open these packages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention solves these and other problems by
providing inter alia, a handle to provide a mechanical advantage
when opening a sealed medical electrode package. Another possible
embodiment of the present invention includes a blade mounted on a
track that is integral to the package lid.
[0005] Still another possible embodiment of the present invention
includes a wire or string embedded in the seal material that when
pulled cuts through the seal and opens the package similar to
opening a roll of round hard candies.
[0006] Yet another possible embodiment of the present invention
includes a sharp point disposed on a rigid lid or frame, which
punctures the seal material to initiate a tear. Yet another
possible embodiment of the present invention includes a feature
that functions like the tab used to open a can of pop or roasted
nuts. This embodiment would be appropriate for a roll seal type
lid.
[0007] Providing mechanical assistance in opening the electrode
package significantly broadens the available market for AEDs, as
well as increasing the packaging implementation options.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 depicts a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a
cartridge assembly for storing and transporting electrodes for an
automatic external defibrillator according to one aspect of the
present invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 depicts a top view of a lower half of the embodiment
of FIG. 1 according to another aspect of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a
closed position according to another aspect of the present
invention.
[0011] FIGS. 4-6 depict in sequential side views the act of
removing the lid from the embodiment of FIG. 1 according to another
aspect of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] It is worthy to note that any reference herein to "one
embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature,
structure, or characteristic described in connection with the
embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention.
The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places
in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment.
[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, an
apparatus for storing one or more electrodes for an automatic
external defibrillator includes a cavity and a lid. In some of the
embodiments herein, a one-time seal is formed between the cavity
and the lid.
[0014] The sealed cavity is for accepting the one or more
electrodes. Preformed mountings can be disposed in the cavity to
simplify the packing of the electrodes. One or more vertical sides
form the sealed cavity. The cavity may be rectangular, circular or
any other geometric shape in cross section; hence the number of
vertical sides can be one, two, three, four or more. For example,
in the case of a cylindrical structure, there is essentially only
one vertical side, but in the case of a box structure, there are
four vertical sides.
[0015] A top lateral edge surface, which extends perpendicularly
relative to the vertical side(s), meets the vertical side(s) to
completely enclose the cavity. A single use seal attaches to the
top lateral edge surface, thereby forming the sealed cavity.
[0016] At least one ridge extends laterally out from at least one
of the vertical sides of the cavity. A second ridge could be
disposed on the opposite side of the cavity from the first ridge,
or in the case of a cylindrical structure, the second ridge could
be disposed approximately 180 degrees apart from the first
ridge.
[0017] A hinge structure is formed at one end of the cavity. The
hinge structure includes one or more holes in the cavity lip or lid
and matching protrusions on the lid or lip of the cavity,
respectively. This enables the lid to be detachably attached to the
cavity by pivoting the lid about the hinge structure.
[0018] The single use seal is fixed to a bottom surface of the lid
and is removably fixed to the top lateral edge surface of the
cavity thereby forming a sealed enclosure in the cavity, in which
the electrodes are disposed when the lid is attached to the
cavity.
[0019] An axle is disposed at an opposite end from the hinge
structure of the lid. The axle can be a single rod or two pins that
attach to the lid.
[0020] A handle is mounted to the lid via the axle (or the two
pins). The handle is rotatable about the axle (or two pins). The
handle includes a camming surface that engages the one or more
ridges as the handle is rotated about the axle to create separation
between the lid and the cavity and to simultaneously peel the
single use seal from the top lateral edge surface of the cavity as
the handle is rotated from a closed position to an open
position.
[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, an
apparatus for storing one or more electrodes for an automatic
external defibrillator includes a container, a hinge structure and
a handle.
[0022] The container includes a top portion, a bottom portion, a
cavity for accepting the one or more electrodes. A single use seal
is disposed between the top portion and the bottom portion. At
least one lateral ridge extends outward from the container.
[0023] The hinge structure is disposed at a first end of the
container. Any hinge structure will suffice for this purpose.
[0024] A handle is rotatably mounted to the container at an end
opposite the first end. The handle includes a camming surface to
contact the at least one lateral ridge. The camming surface engages
the ridge as the handle is rotated from a closed position to an
open position to create separation between the top portion and the
bottom portion and to simultaneously remove or open the single use
seal.
[0025] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, an
apparatus for storing one or more electrodes for an automatic
external defibrillator includes a container and a mechanically
advantaged actuator.
[0026] The container includes a top portion, a bottom portion, a
cavity for accepting the one or more electrodes. A single use seal
is disposed between the top portion and the bottom portion. At
least one lateral ridge extends outward from the container.
[0027] The mechanically advantaged actuator creates separation
between the top portion and the bottom portion as the actuator is
manipulated and to simultaneously removes the single use seal. An
example of the mechanically advantaged actuator includes a handle
with a cam providing a mechanical advantage to a person opening the
sealed container. Other examples include a blade mounted on a track
that is integral to the sealed container; a wire or string embedded
in the seal material that when pulled cuts through the seal and
opens the container; a sharp point disposed on a rigid lid or
frame, which punctures the seal material to initiate a tear; or a
feature that functions like the tab used to open a can of pop or
roasted nuts, which would be appropriate for a roll seal type
lid.
[0028] Turning to FIG. 1, shown therein is a top view of an
exemplary embodiment 10 of a cartridge assembly for storing and
transporting electrodes for an automatic external defibrillator
according to one aspect of the present invention. This embodiment
10 includes a lid 11 and a tray 12 along with a handle 13 for
removing the lid 11 from the tray 12. The electrodes are stored in
the tray 12. The handle 13 provides the user a mechanical
advantage, thereby reducing to a negligible level the physical
strength and manual dexterity needed to open the sealed medical
electrode package.
[0029] The container formed by the tray and lid may be composed of
a rigid or semi-rigid material. Typically, this material should be
sufficient to maintain a moist environment for several years for
the electrodes. As the electrodes dry out, the impedance of the
electrodes increases, thereby affecting the amount of current
output at the point of application of the electrodes and making the
electrodes and the AED less effective. Hence, the material should
be such to maintain a water barrier, such as several millimeters
thick aluminum or similar material.
[0030] Turning to FIG. 2, shown therein is a top view of the
cartridge tray 12, which stores the electrodes. A cavity 21
provides space for storing the pads and electrodes. A formed
holding space 22 is provided in the center for accepting the
electrodes and enabling the user to package the electrodes in a
neat and orderly fashion. Two holes 23a-b form part of the lid
hinge structure. A heat seal film (not shown) is applied to the
surface 24 that meets with the lid 11. Similarly, a heat seal film
(also not shown) is attached to the lid assembly 11. As the lid is
removed from the cartridge 12, the heat seal film is peeled away
thereby exposing the pads.
[0031] Turning to FIG. 3 shown therein is a side view of the
cartridge assembly 10 with the lid 11 in a closed position. A pivot
point 31 enables the opening of the lid 11 from one end. The side
portion 32 has a rigid surface 33 along which a cam 34 on the
handle 13 transfers the force of opening to separate the lid 11
from the cartridge 12. An axle 35 mounted in the side 32 allows the
handle 13 to rotate about the axle 35 during motion. The handle 13
is pulled upwards and towards the pivot point 31. A similar
construction exists on a side opposite the side shown in FIG. 3,
thereby making a symmetric handle design and operation.
[0032] Turning to FIG. 4, shown therein is the cartridge assembly
10 as the handle 13 has been moved from its fully closed position
to a partially open position. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the cam 34
has rotated along the rigid surface 33 as the handle 13 has been
pulled upwards and in the direction of the pivot point 31. A point
on the surface of the cam that is in contact with the rigid surface
33 is about 1/3 to 1/2 of the length of the surface of the cam 33
that contacts the rigid surface 33 during rotation of the cam 34.
The heat seal film 41 is exposed and an initial peel of the heat
seal film 41 has begun. The film 41 adheres to the lid 11 and peels
away from the surface 24 of the cartridge assembly as the lid 11 is
removed from the cartridge assembly 12. The axle 35 has been
rotated about fifteen to thirty degrees.
[0033] Turning to FIG. 5, shown therein is the cartridge assembly
10 as the handle 13 has been moved from its position in FIG. 4 to a
more open position. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the cam 34 has
rotated along the rigid surface 33 to a last point on the surface
of the cam that slides along the rigid surface 33 as the handle 13
has been pulled upwards and in the direction of the pivot point 31.
The heat seal film 41 is now more exposed and further peeling of
the heat seal film 41 has occurred. In FIG. 5, the axle 35 has been
rotated about ninety degrees. At this point, as the handle is
pulled the film 41 peels away from surface 24. By now, the effort
required to open the cartridge assembly is minimal, due only to
that required to separate the film 41 from surface 24. Most of the
force required to open the assembly 10 is due to the initial
separation of the lid 11 from the cartridge 12. This is reduced to
a negligible level by the handle and the cam.
[0034] Turning to FIG. 6, shown therein is the cartridge assembly
10 as the handle 13 has been moved from its position in FIG. 5 to
an almost completely open position. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the
cam 34 is no longer in contact with the rigid surface 33 as the
handle 13 has been pulled upwards and in the direction of the pivot
point 31. The heat seal film 41 is now even more exposed and
further peeling of the heat seal film 41 has occurred. In FIG. 6,
the axle 35 has not been rotated any more than that shown in FIG.
5. Further rotation is not necessary as the handle is now being
used to simply pull the heat seal film away from the surface
24.
[0035] Thus, the present invention reduces the physical strength
and manual dexterity required to open a sealed medical electrode
package. The seal can now be designed without compromising the
strength of the seal or other physical characteristics otherwise
necessary to facilitate human factors. Furthermore, a significantly
wider range of sealing methods is now possible.
[0036] In an alternative embodiment, the heat seal film is separate
from the cover. Thus, upon removing the cover, one must separately
remove the heat seal film by pulling on a pull-tab, for example.
Other standard techniques for removing the heat seal film can also
be used.
[0037] Although various embodiments are specifically illustrated
and described herein, it will be appreciated that modifications and
variations of the invention are covered by the above teachings and
are within the purview of the appended claims without departing
from the spirit and intended scope of the invention. For example,
the description above relates to a handle and a cam providing a
mechanical advantage to a person opening the sealed medical
electrode package; however, other possible implementations can also
be used, such as: a blade mounted on a track that is integral to
the package lid; a wire or string embedded in the seal material
that when pulled cuts through the seal and opens the package; a
sharp point disposed on a rigid lid or frame, which punctures the
seal material to initiate a tear; or a feature that functions like
the tab used to open a can of pop or roasted nuts, which would be
appropriate for a roll seal type lid. Furthermore, these examples
should not be interpreted to limit the modifications and variations
of the invention covered by the claims but are merely illustrative
of possible variations.
* * * * *